All About Mother of Vinegar, That Slime In Your Vinegar (2024)

Faith Durand

Faith DurandSVP of Content

Faith is the SVP of Content at Apartment Therapy Media and former Editor-in-Chief of The Kitchn. She is the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning The Kitchn Cookbook. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters.

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updated Jan 8, 2021

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All About Mother of Vinegar, That Slime In Your Vinegar (1)

Have you ever reached for your favorite bottle of vinegar from the pantry to find a weird amorphous blob floating near the bottom? You’re not alone! This slime-like protein can look unsightly, but rest assured that its a natural by-product of the fermentation that makes vinegar from wine. Here’s what you need to know about vinegar mothers — also known as the slime in your vinegar bottle.

What Is Vinegar Mother?

When you find a bit of stringy sediment, large or small, in a bottle of vinegar don’t fret. In fact — congratulations — you have a mother. A mother of vinegar, that is. Yes, it looks rather grungy and scary, floating on the top of the vinegar like that, but this spongy mass of bacteria is completely harmless. Vinegar mother is just bacteria that feeds on alcoholic liquids, and the fact that one developed in your vinegar just means that there were some sugars or alcohol that weren’t completely fermented in the vinegar process.

You have a few options with your mother of vinegar. You can strain it out (use a coffee filter) and continue using the vinegar as-is. Or don’t even bother straining it out; again, the vinegar mother won’t hurt you at all.

If you want to remove it and do something useful with it, then you can start your own batch of vinegar! You can add the mother to white wine and start all over again. This homemade vinegar process can produce really wonderful, deep-flavored vinegar, especially when you let it continue over a period of years.

All About Mother of Vinegar,  That Slime In Your Vinegar (2024)

FAQs

All About Mother of Vinegar, That Slime In Your Vinegar? ›

Vinegar mother is just bacteria that feeds on alcoholic liquids, and the fact that one developed in your vinegar just means that there were some sugars or alcohol that weren't completely fermented in the vinegar process.

What are the side effects of apple cider vinegar pills? ›

Studies and case reports suggest that ingesting apple cider vinegar can lead to upset stomach, throat irritation, low potassium and erosion of tooth enamel. Apple cider vinegar pills may have similar side effects.

Can you eat mother of vinegar every day? ›

The science isn't quite clear yet, but it is known that “the mother” is probiotic, meaning that it stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. While it may not be responsible for all the benefits of apple cider vinegar, there's no reason not to take in “the mother” along with the rest.

Is the mother of vinegar safe to use? ›

Occasionally, you may find a gelatinous disc in your bottle of vinegar. This is called mother of vinegar. Although it may look unappealing, it is completely harmless.

What are the benefits of taking apple cider vinegar with the mother daily? ›

You May Have Better Digestive Health

The “mother” in apple-cider vinegar is a source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics support digestion and may even enhance nutrient absorption, according to a review in Cureus in 2022.

What should you never do while taking apple cider vinegar? ›

In a nut shell: don't take too much ACV, don't apply it directly onto your skin, consult your doctor if you're taking any serious medication before consuming ACV, dilute ACV before drinking it and manage your expectations when it comes to ACV.

What happens to your body when you start taking apple cider vinegar? ›

The same small study that reported ACV boosted weight loss also found that it lowered the total cholesterol levels of study subjects who took it. It also increased their "good" cholesterol and lowered levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood).

Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar in morning or night? ›

Some studies have reported that drinking fermented beverages such as ACV before bed can help reduce weight. A lot of wellness bloggers and researchers suggest that sipping ACV before breakfast on an empty stomach has a good and equal effect. ACV has been used in the field of medicine for centuries.

Can apple cider vinegar clean out your liver? ›

When it comes to home remedies, apple cider vinegar is a preferred choice since it has amazing detoxification properties. Apple Cider Vinegar works by helping the liver flush out the toxins that can interfere with the body's normal functioning.

What is the shelf life of mother of vinegar? ›

We played — and later I did research. According to the Vinegar Institute, studies confirm vinegar's shelf life is almost indefinite.

Should you shake vinegar with the mother? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar with “The Mother”

Unfiltered ACV has a cloudier appearance than filtered, because of “The Mother”. These natural enzymes settle to the bottom of the bottle, so be sure to give it a good shake before you use it.

What can I do with my vinegar mother? ›

Mother of vinegar is often added to wine, cider, or other alcoholic liquids to produce vinegar at home, although only the bacteria is required, but historically has also been used in large scale production. Mother of vinegar in a bottle.

Is it good to take apple cider vinegar pills everyday? ›

Apple cider vinegar is possibly safe when used as a medicine, short-term. But it is possibly unsafe when used in large amounts, long-term. Consuming large amounts of apple cider vinegar long-term might lead to problems such as low levels of potassium.

Should I take apple cider vinegar pills in the morning or at night? ›

While there's no research to support the best time of the day to have it, drinking it empty stomach remains to be the most recommended way to have ACV. Doing so may maximize health benefits, boost digestion and may even help promote fat loss if followed regularly.

Does apple cider vinegar interfere with blood pressure medication? ›

Since apple cider vinegar in large doses is connected to a reduction of potassium in the body, care must be taken with other medications that lower potassium. These include insulin, diuretics like furosemide (Lasix) or chlorothiazide (Diuril), some blood pressure medications like digoxin (Lanoxin), and even laxatives.

What do apple cider vinegar pills do for females? ›

Helps with painful periods: ACV can help relieve bloating, cramps, and irritability caused by PMS or periods. Regulates blood sugar levels: ACV may help regulate blood sugar levels, especially after a starchy meal.

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